Mystery Iowa Lottery ticket... any guesses on what the real story is?

**cyflier** · 01-23-2012, 02:32 PM

Whats everyones opinion on whats going on here. My guess is an illegal immigrant won it. Sounds like there will be an update this afternoon.

News Conference Today On Mystery Lotto Case - Project Economy News Story - KCCI Des Moines

**CysRage** · 01-23-2012, 02:35 PM

Is there anything that says an illegal immigrant cant win the lottery? I wonder if he or she could still collect the money but will have to get deported.

**clone319** · 01-23-2012, 02:36 PM

maybe someone too young?

**brianhos** · 01-23-2012, 02:38 PM

If it was an illegal or minor, just give the ticket to someone you trust and give them a small cut. If they reigned, you could always sue them later. I am guessing something else like a dispute between a divorcing couple or the owner died or something.

**wartknight** · 01-23-2012, 02:38 PM

Illegal immigrant? That is one possibility I had not considered. Makes sense.
Couple possibilities floating around our office. First thought was someone going through a divorce that wants the asset sheltered.
Other thought was its someone involved in a business deal of some sort.
The illegal immigrant makes sense, but if you couldn't actually claim the prize, why would you buy a ticket in the first place?
The lottery is giving the winner until friday to come forward.

**intrepid27** · 01-23-2012, 02:46 PM

It's been quite a while (about 10 years) but and illegal alien won a significant prize in a state lottery. The state refused to pay.

His lawyer argued that if the winner had been a "European tourist on vaction" the state would have paid with no questions. If memory serves me correct the individual collected and agreed to pay taxes.

**Cydkar** · 01-23-2012, 02:48 PM

Since it's not me or a relative I don't give an 'F' word.

**intrepid27** · 01-23-2012, 02:49 PM

Just had a great idea. Let illegal aliens buy lottery tickets for the chance to win citizenship.
Funds could be used to offset cost of delivering and educating their kids without paying for healthcare or taxes.

**Cyclonepride** · 01-23-2012, 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by cyflier

Whats everyones opinion on whats going on here. My guess is an illegal immigrant won it. Sounds like there will be an update this afternoon.

News Conference Today On Mystery Lotto Case - Project Economy News Story - KCCI Des Moines

**purify** · 01-23-2012, 02:52 PM

it's probably financially beneficial to award payments to illiegal aliens. The chances of one winning is miniscule, but they add to the pot, and add to the taxes that will be collected. If that payment isn't awarded, ticket sales would certainly fall.

**thatguy** · 01-23-2012, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by wartknight

Illegal immigrant? That is one possibility I had not considered. Makes sense.
Couple possibilities floating around our office. First thought was someone going through a divorce that wants the asset sheltered.
Other thought was its someone involved in a business deal of some sort.
The illegal immigrant makes sense, but if you couldn't actually claim the prize, why would you buy a ticket in the first place?
The lottery is giving the winner until friday to come forward.

People that play the lottery aren't exactly the smartest people in the world.

**Incyte** · 01-23-2012, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by brianhos

If it was an illegal or minor, just give the ticket to someone you trust and give them a small cut. If they reigned, you could always sue them later. I am guessing something else like a dispute between a divorcing couple or the owner died or something.

Courts don't enforce contracts based on illegal activity but good thought.

**purify** · 01-23-2012, 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by Incyte

Courts don't enforce contracts based on illegal activity but good thought.

what would be the illegal activity there though? Is it illegal for an illegal immigrant to purchase lottery tickets? Is it illegal to transfer ownership of tickets, from my understanding lottery tickets are bearer instruments.

**Incyte** · 01-23-2012, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by purify

what would be the illegal activity there though? Is it illegal for an illegal immigrant to purchase lottery tickets? Is it illegal to transfer ownership of tickets, from my understanding lottery tickets are bearer instruments.

It is illegal to purchase a ticket as a minor. A 14 year old could not contract for a 18+ year old to present the ticker and give proceeds to the minor. I assume illegal immigrants can play and reddem lotto winnings.

**gogagig** · 01-23-2012, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by Incyte

It is illegal to purchase a ticket as a minor. A 14 year old could not contract for a 18+ year old to present the ticker and give proceeds to the minor. I assume illegal immigrants can play and reddem lotto winnings.

i am 99.9% sure illegal immigrants can legally buy lottery tickets in all states. Sure, they can't work. But they can buy lottery tickets, win, collect winnings. Anyone over whatever age limit it is can.